World Monuments in Paris: Chapel of the Sorbonne

A jewel of French architecture and one of the most iconic buildings in Paris’ Latin Quarter, the Saint-Ursule Chapel of the Sorbonne stands on the grounds of the theological college founded by Saint Louis in the thirteenth century. The chapel is a part of the Sorbonne, the prestigious university at the heart of the historic neighborhood.  

Jacques Lemercier, the first architect appointed to oversee all royal establishments, supervised the construction of the chapel from 1634 until his death, at the request of Cardinal Richelieu. Renowned French artist Philippe de Champaigne painted the chapel’s stunning mural paintings on the cupola, while sculptor François Girardon designed Richelieu’s tomb within the chapel.  

Centuries later, the crypt below the chapel became a memorial to the students and teachers who perished while defending France during the Second World War. 

About Alexandre Gady

Alexandre Gady is currently the Director of the prefiguration mission for the Musée du Grand Siècle. A renowned researcher, he has primarily focused on global approaches to heritage, exploring the themes of decoration, monuments, and landscapes. An art historian, he focuses on exploring issues of transfers, exchanges, and circulations across both European and extra-European spaces.

Series Curator & Moderator

Russell Kelley was the curator and moderator of the past four winters’ Zoom lecture series on the “Grands Châteaux of the Loire and Île de France,” “The Making of the French Garden,” “The Great Churches of Paris,” and “The Making of the Museums of Paris.” He is the author of The Making of Paris: The Story of How Paris Evolved from a Fishing Village into the World’s Most Beautiful City (Lyons Press, 2021), and has lived in Paris for more than 30 years.

This series is made possible through the generous support of Solange and Bill Brown.